JackHammers

In 2001, the city of Joliet fulfilled a longtime dream of Mayor Art Schultz and many local citizens by building a municipal baseball park, now named Silver Cross Field. In addition, city officials signed on with a group of local investors to bring minor league baseball to Joliet.

From the beginning of the project, Tim saw an opportunity to use his creative talents to benefit both the project and his hometown. During the initial formation of the Joliet JackHammers, he played an important--if largely unknown--role in creating the identity which has proved so successful over the last 5 years.

He suggested the team name, conceiving the idea by searching his son's junior dictionary for alliterative words that would complement Joliet's "J." When he saw a picture of a jackhammer in the book, he knew the hard-working, blue collar implications of the name provided a fine match for Joliet's image. He was so sure he'd picked a winner, he even bought the jolietjackhammers.com Web site the very next morning, months before the team would select its official moniker.

He compiled a list of marketing ideas and sent it to team officials. Several of his ideas were put into practice, including the name "Jammer" (subsequently used for the team's mascot) and the use of smoky explosions when home runs are hit. Tim also created several signage concepts for the ballpark, such as the term "JackSnacks" used for the concession areas.

But perhaps most important to the team's identity, Tim drew original pictures of a potential logo. The team's eventual official logo incorporates several of Tim's original ideas.

Later, when the team was ready for play, Tim wanted to help build local excitement. So he wrote and recorded an original song, which he titled The JackHammer Jingle (see, at right), for use at the ballpark. During the team's first two seasons, the tune was often played during the 7th inning stretch.

During the JackHammers' first 5 seasons, Tim has been a frequent patron and supporter. He takes pride in the small role he played in getting the team off on the right foot for the benefit of his community.

Here, you can see examples of Tim's work related to the team, as well as hear and read the lyrics to The JackHammer Jingle.

Below, you can also read a selection of Tim's columns about the JackHammers over the years.

JackHammers' Inaugural Campaign Postseason Awards -- Tim names the best and worst moments of season No. 1.

JackHammers Season No. 2 Preview-- Tim took a look at the ballclub's upcoming sophomore season.

JackHammers Playing Hardball With Our Field-- Tim's not keen on the ballclub's conditions for high school kids to use our field.

JackHammers Drop the Ball-- Spring cleaning comes late to a dirty Silver Cross Field.

Joliet's Silver Cross Field. Tim was involved with the beginnings of the Joliet JackHammers in ways that may surprise you.

Tim conceived the name "Joliet JackHammers" when he saw a photo of a jackhammer in his son's junior dictionary.

Tim suggested the name "Jammer" for use in the team's marketing. The team would use it to name its mascot.    

                
Tim's idea to break up home plate with a tilting jackhammer appears in the JackHammers official logo. Tim's original drawing appears at right.

The JackHammer Jingle (Click title to listen)

          Everybody stand back, cover up your ears.

          Secure your hard hat, put on protective gear.

          Listen for the sound, feel the rumble in the ground.

          Everybody come on down, to the new game in town!

          Boom, boom go the bats, smashin' up the balls!

          Boom, boom go the balls, smashin' off the walls!

          Opponents come to town, tremblin' with fear,

          'Cause with the 'Hammers in the house,

          The balls are hammered out of here!

          Words and Music by Tim Placher Copyright 2002